melody maker in britain gave it a brilliant review

"a movie of rare wit and amazing music" as i recall

these days most people love it...even non fans ive shown dig it

its a hard film to hate

however EVERYONE AND I MEAN EVERYONE hated graffiti bridge

that film is risible

TrevorAyer said:

.. maybe it was the not happy ending that ruined it for the public ..

I think most of the public wrote the movie off long before the ending came along...

its crap actors, story all crap , like all the other princefilms !

but the MUSIC is for eternity , like in all other princefilms !

Its a beautiful looking film with a great soundtrack but the story line is wack as hell.

jaawwnn said:

uuhson said:

maybe on here, but then again to be fair, probably not too many other people have seen it

True but you have to bear in mind that in pure cinematic terms, it's a terrible, TERRIBLE movie.

I love it, but only because i'm a fan. I'm not an idiot!

I disagree.

If your point was true all of us that love Under The Cherry Moon would also love Grafitti Bridge. And, that is not the case at all.

It's weird. It's different. But, it's hilarious! And, the music rocks. But it's not a terrible movie. In fact, IMO, it's a better movie than Purple Rain. Sure Purple Rain has more cultural importance and was obviously more in tune with the masses, but, it's not better. The acting isn't better. The story isn't more original. It's simply more accessible.

djThunderfunk said:

jaawwnn said:

True but you have to bear in mind that in pure cinematic terms, it's a terrible, TERRIBLE movie.

I love it, but only because i'm a fan. I'm not an idiot!

I disagree.

If your point was true all of us that love Under The Cherry Moon would also love Grafitti Bridge. And, that is not the case at all.

It's weird. It's different. But, it's hilarious! And, the music rocks. But it's not a terrible movie. In fact, IMO, it's a better movie than Purple Rain. Sure Purple Rain has more cultural importance and was obviously more in tune with the masses, but, it's not better. The acting isn't better. The story isn't more original. It's simply more accessible.

plus its received wisdom its terrible acting

the acting is fantastic-like it or nt P is a fucking good actor as is jerome-they have genuine chemistry

stephen berkoff? genius actor

kristine scott thomas? brilliant

francesca annis?? brilliant

so forget the myths that the acting is "shit"

t isnt

and perhaps thats what pissed off some people..almost like"aw get fucked the guy can act as well???!!"

[img:$uid]http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj68/lawchadwick/Prince/under_the_cherry_moon.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn173/profiletwenty08/ChristopherTraceyfluttersthoseprett.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y361/Peaceyouu/Prince86/l_843f927116be4680a5e81632d36c70c4.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y361/Peaceyouu/Prince86/l_051b3b484877461da678a46268187156.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y361/Peaceyouu/Prince86/beztytuu.png[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj84/jamesNpatti/Prince/71b50012f7.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae127/iman915/2653966044_49d85bf8d8.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y361/Peaceyouu/Prince86/29260_1369551492930_1656017573_892065_2148145_n.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y361/Peaceyouu/Prince86/25755_379940043510_180775913510_3890228_2991713_n.jpg[/img:$uid]

[img:$uid]http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y361/Peaceyouu/Prince86/33648_155529781135037_100000340481334_332255_4444796_n.jpg[/img:$uid]

djThunderfunk said:

jaawwnn said:

True but you have to bear in mind that in pure cinematic terms, it's a terrible, TERRIBLE movie.

I love it, but only because i'm a fan. I'm not an idiot!

I disagree.

If your point was true all of us that love Under The Cherry Moon would also love Grafitti Bridge. And, that is not the case at all.

It's weird. It's different. But, it's hilarious! And, the music rocks. But it's not a terrible movie. In fact, IMO, it's a better movie than Purple Rain. Sure Purple Rain has more cultural importance and was obviously more in tune with the masses, but, it's not better. The acting isn't better. The story isn't more original. It's simply more accessible.

I think most people would find Purple Rain to be a "mo betta" movie.

I think the acting is actually better in more moments of Purple Rain, especially from Prince. Just his anger when he trashes the basement, and then his switch to discovering the music seems more audience engrossing.

"Under the Cherry Moon" is kind of like watching a network sitcom or even an episode of the "Love Boat" in terms of drama, even if it's shot like a big movie. And the comedy comes off as more trying to be "cute" than being actually funny to a lot of people.

ufoclub said:

I think most people would find Purple Rain to be a "mo betta" movie.

Yeah... "most people"s opinion and my opinions rarely coincide.

Purple Rain is more accessable because of it's timing in the pop market place and because of the imagery. UTCM is weird and different and certainly not for "most people".

djThunderfunk said:

ufoclub said:

I think most people would find Purple Rain to be a "mo betta" movie.

Yeah... "most people"s opinion and my opinions rarely coincide.

Purple Rain is more accessable because of it's timing in the pop market place and because of the imagery. UTCM is weird and different and certainly not for "most people".

The same Purple Rain story formula worked for "8 Mile"... I don't think it's a dated idea specific to 1984. I bet someone new could still pull off the same storytype with a new music style and setting.

The problem with UTCM is that there's not enough music. Prince had the amazing Parade soundtrack to work with, but some songs only appear in snippets and the music isn't the focus of the film. If UTCM had included as much music as Purple Rain, critics probably still would have panned the movie, but more people would have enjoyed it. The second move by the Beatles (Help!) is as corny as UTCM in terms of plot but it had so much good music that it isn't remembered as a total flop. A Prince movie without much music makes as much sense as a porn flick without sex.

electricberet said:

The problem with UTCM is that there's not enough music. Prince had the amazing Parade soundtrack to work with, but some songs only appear in snippets and the music isn't the focus of the film. If UTCM had included as much music as Purple Rain, critics probably still would have panned the movie, but more people would have enjoyed it. The second move by the Beatles (Help!) is as corny as UTCM in terms of plot but it had so much good music that it isn't remembered as a total flop. A Prince movie without much music makes as much sense as a porn flick without sex.

The overall response to the next movie "Magical Mystery Tour" was totally a shit upon fest... not unlike "Graffiti Bridge". At least from my reading!

The movies was shot in black/white which doesn't appeal to everybody. The movie also got bad reviews before it even hit the cinemas: so people weren't stimulated to go see it.

I also remember I wanted to go see it in the theatres, but after 2 weeks it was already out of the cinema, so I was already too late.

I thought it was a pretty funny movie, but back in those days, Prince could do no wrong in my opinion.

How different it was when SOTT hit the cinemas: people were dressed in peach/black and dancing throughout the theatre as if it were a real Prince-concert.

I think that if this film had been in color,it would have done better at the box office.In 1986,people weren't really interested in seeing a black and white movie...especially not a film billed as a romantic comedy.

The film has an anachronistic feel about it.

The acting is rather dreadfull but in retrospect this film is a queer but entertaining one.

Graffiti bridge hurted 2 watch....

Favorite song atm and has been for a looong time: Positivity

Grafitti Bridge was even too bad to air on Nickelodeon or Disny XD......

ufoclub said:

electricberet said:

The problem with UTCM is that there's not enough music. Prince had the amazing Parade soundtrack to work with, but some songs only appear in snippets and the music isn't the focus of the film. If UTCM had included as much music as Purple Rain, critics probably still would have panned the movie, but more people would have enjoyed it. The second move by the Beatles (Help!) is as corny as UTCM in terms of plot but it had so much good music that it isn't remembered as a total flop. A Prince movie without much music makes as much sense as a porn flick without sex.

The overall response to the next movie "Magical Mystery Tour" was totally a shit upon fest... not unlike "Graffiti Bridge". At least from my reading!

That's right. Ironically, MMT was supposed to be broadcast in color but the BBC first broadcast it in black and white, which made some of their psychadelic color effects impossible to see. This in contrast to Prince shooting UTCM in color and then intentionally presenting it in black and white.

djThunderfunk said:

jaawwnn said:

True but you have to bear in mind that in pure cinematic terms, it's a terrible, TERRIBLE movie.

I love it, but only because i'm a fan. I'm not an idiot!

I disagree.

If your point was true all of us that love Under The Cherry Moon would also love Grafitti Bridge. And, that is not the case at all.

It's weird. It's different. But, it's hilarious! And, the music rocks. But it's not a terrible movie. In fact, IMO, it's a better movie than Purple Rain. Sure Purple Rain has more cultural importance and was obviously more in tune with the masses, but, it's not better. The acting isn't better. The story isn't more original. It's simply more accessible.

Do you think? I mean, It's shot well and I know what it's going for (sort of), but it just doesn't do any of it well.

The major problem with the film is the script. Jerome and Prince have good chemistry and all but even if they were good actors (which they aren't) they'd struggle with the confused and forced dialogue. It's 3rd rate stuff.

Purple Rain is brilliant in spite of its limitations, it's just got a vibe all of its own, UTCM is too busy aping other things to make any sense.

[Edited 11/9/11 4:42am]

jonylawson said:

without doubt my Fave prince movie

its witty

its ridiclous

its funny

its corny

and not only is it a love letter to france its also a love letter to being young

iits brave as fuck

its daring

its whimsical

the music is amazing

its a side to P nobody saw becouse shit back in the day NOBODY had even seen him smile etc

it introduced kristin scott thomas

the set pieces are stunning

its a black 5"2 rock star fucking white women in a black and white french film for goddsakes

AND THE DAY I GOT HIS ON VHS IN HMV IN NEWCASTLE IN 1987 I COULDNT FUCKING BELIEVE IT!

Fot those who dislike it it to me shows a massive lack of imagination

Co-sign, 100% .

I instantly liked this movie, still do, probably always will. It is a silly little vanity project, sure, but it is fun, naive, daring, and all in all just makes me feel good.

I think www.Salon.com was one of the few magazines/websites that has given this gem of a movie a positive review.

rob1965 said:

The movies was shot in black/white which doesn't appeal to everybody. The movie also got bad reviews before it even hit the cinemas: so people weren't stimulated to go see it.

I also remember I wanted to go see it in the theatres, but after 2 weeks it was already out of the cinema, so I was already too late.

I thought it was a pretty funny movie, but back in those days, Prince could do no wrong in my opinion.

How different it was when SOTT hit the cinemas: people were dressed in peach/black and dancing throughout the theatre as if it were a real Prince-concert.

It´s a black and white movie but it wasn´t really shot black and white. They changed it because Prince wanted it to be a black and white movie.

I know. Let me put it this way then: it was presented in black and white which probably didn't appeal to everybody.

Oh! And lets not forget about the clothes!

I love all the threads in this movie... especially that polka dot number Mary wears to go chew Chris out!

rob1965 said:

I know. Let me put it this way then: it was presented in black and white which probably didn't appeal to everybody.

A color version as a bonus on a DVD would be quite interesting. Do you know if there is any color footage left?

KoolEaze said:

rob1965 said:

I know. Let me put it this way then: it was presented in black and white which probably didn't appeal to everybody.

A color version as a bonus on a DVD would be quite interesting. Do you know if there is any color footage left?

A color negative must exist and have been kept! Especially if it was the new followup movie to the Warner darling Prince.

What's funny, is that nowadays, they sometimes do go back and release the color version of a film on cable. A friend of mine made an indie movie that was released theatrically in England and Europe and with a very limited release here in the States ("In Search of a Midnight Kiss"). He had made it black and white and even hired a professinal company to make sure it looked great shot for shot in black and white. But when the american distributor (IFC) put it out on On Demand and on cable, they went back to his rough color version... it was horrible because that one was not professionally adjusted!

Anyway... it would be awesome if Warners did that with Under the Cherry Moon. It would be so interesting to see how the movie and music feels in color, like the photos in this thread. Just as an experiment.

Because it hasn't been released in Blu-Ray?

KoolEaze said:

rob1965 said:

I know. Let me put it this way then: it was presented in black and white which probably didn't appeal to everybody.

A color version as a bonus on a DVD would be quite interesting. Do you know if there is any color footage left?

Yeah, probably. But the charme of this movie IS that it's blacck/white. To speak 4 myself: I like it that way and it suits the film and the story.

It's some kind of romantic comedy with all kinds of funny complications. Just like those movies from the 40s and 50s.

I know I always hated it that Christopher died at the end.

I also remember a review which said that this screen shot of Christopher dying was the worst death scene there ever was by far. The review said something like: "a shameful and unintended funny and hilarious screen shot which only shows the soles of his shoes in close-up when the character of Chris is dying".

Assh*le....

Anyway, I thought it was done in style and this tiny, tiny blood trail coming from his mouth was beautifully done. Just like the classics from the 40s/50s. Alfred Hitchcock wouldn't have done it any differently. But he always got great reviews (okay okay, his movies were better than UTCM).

But to get back to your question: color footage must still exist and maybe, just maybe, one day a dvd or blu-ray with the colored version of UTCM might be released as a limited edition. Who knows. Warner has the rights to the movie and you never know.....

UTCM is absolutely awful. That movie was Prince's first genuine failure - not musically, but in general - as a performer. Calling it "amateurish" is giving it too much credit.

I love this flick - probably for all the reasons the critics didn't. I saw it in the theater when it came out and I own the DVD. I crack up at so many parts because Prince cuts up so much in it.

bobbyperu said:

The problem is that the humor is unintentional. The script is not funny, it's plain foolish. Our favorite rocker is making a joke of himself in a role so silly you wouldn't want to give it to a monkey. The only good thing that can be said about this film is that it inspired Prince to write the fantastic Parade album. That's where his talents are.

I don't think the humor was unintentional. I think some people just didn't get it and some of it went over their heads. Especially the stuff between Christopher and Tricky.

Exactly.